A city of contrasts with highlights at every corner that’ll leave you craving for more. From tuk-tuks, boats and sky trains to shining temples, humble street markets, 200-year old village homes, and lively rooftop bars and restaurants, Bangkok is a dynamic city full of life, character and culture.
Did you know Bangkok is the English name, the Thai's know this city as: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
The translation means: “The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (unlike Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.”
Population: 10,539,000
Vibe: Bangkok is crazy all day and even crazier at night. This is the city that never sleeps. The Chao Phraya River snakes around the city and canals feed through the city. Highways cut through a sea of skyscrapers and luxurious golden temples peak through the modern high-rises.
Known for: Being the capital of Thailand and a major tourist gateway to the rest of Thailand and all of Southeast Asia. Bangkok is also nicknamed the “Venice of the East" due to the elaborate network of canals (known as khlongs) that run through the city. It boasts bargain shopping, funky markets, a riverside full of unique attractions, local delicacies, buzzing nightlife and amazing historical sites that display its unique heritage.
Must Do: Take a tuk tuk tour of the city and make stops at the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. Photo Credit: Mark Fischer - Flickr
Must-see Cultural Attractions
Thailand has a long and proud history evident in its grand temples and palaces. The Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Po and Wat Arun are a must-see on any travellers list and are all fairly close together on the west side of the city along the Chao Phraya River so you could see them all in one go.
You can either jump in a tuk tuk and make your way to each attraction or take a boat tour up the river to see them from a different perspective. You'll need to wear modest clothes if you're planning on going inside the temples or the palace.
Khao San Road Area
The famous Khao San Road Area is a popular hub for budget travellers and backpackers. This short lively street located in the heart of Bangkok was once a major rice market, and its name “Khaosan” can be translated as “milled rice”. Jam-packed with cheap shops, restaurants and bars, accommodation and travel agents (plus the Stray Bangkok shop!). At night, there are plenty of places to have a drink and a delicious bite to eat, meet new people and watch the night unfold.
Lumphini Park
One of the city's regionally famous parks is Lumphini Park, named after the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal (Lumbini) and known as Bangkok's Central Park. Once a camp for Japanese soldiers during World War II, today the park holds grand pageants and ceremonies of the Thai constitution. Lumphini Park is Bangkok’s largest park at a whopping 58 hectares and home to a beautiful man-made lake surrounded by walking paths, luscious green trees and extensive lawns. This is the perfect place to step out of the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a few peaceful hours soaking up the scenery. You can even hire a paddle boat and explore the lake!
Markets
There are no shortage of markets in Bangkok although some of them stand out above the rest: The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world with over 8000 stalls filled with everything from souvenirs to fashion, pets to art. The Floating markets in the Taling Chan District are genuine local markets where you can ride a longtail boat around the stalls, tasting the food, shopping and even getting a foot massage under the trees. The Patpong Night Market in the Silom district is famous for knock off goods and go-go bars and showcases a seedier side of Bangkok.
Shopping Malls
Take the BTS Skytrain to Siam where you'll find a cluster of shopping malls that all cater for different budgets.
At the MBK mall you'll find knock off fashion items and souvenirs, jewellery and technology, you can bargain here to get a good price. Across the road you'll see Siam Centre where you'll find middle range fashion and directly across the square you'll find Siam Paragon, one of the biggest shopping centres in Asia. It carries all the luxury brands, and is home to Southeast Asia's largest aquarium, a 16-screen cineplex and an impressive food court. It's worth going into just to check out the super car showrooms, cafes with individual iPod docks and impressive entrance displays.
Eating and Drinking
Street food stalls on Khao San Road. Photo Credit: Ronald Tagra - Flickr
Bangkok is heaven for foodies!
Thai food is exceptional with an exotic mix of flavours. Make sure you try some of these local favourites:
- Tom Yum Goong - a spicy, fragrant soup with prawns (goong), mushrooms and lemongrass.
- Som Tum - spicy green papaya salad with a sweet and spicy flavour
- Gaeng Daeng and Gaeng Keow Wan - Red curry and green curry. Both have a coconut milk base and either a red chilli paste or a green paste. Try them with beef (nua), chicken (kai/gai) or tofu.
- Pad Thai - Thai style fried noodles with fish sauce, egg, beansprouts and either chicken, prawns or tofu
- Med Ma Muang (Kai/Gai) - stir fried chicken with dried chillies, cashew nuts, sometimes carrots and mushrooms, in a mild sauce.
You'll never be stuck for a place to eat in Bangkok and you'll find something to suit every budget. For just a few dollars you can get a delicious three course meal of vegetarian spring rolls, chicken pad Thai and a banana pancake from the street food carts on Khao San road. Chinatown's road-side restaurants offer fast, tasty seafood meals and there are also plenty of international options.
Just like the variety of restaurants available, you'll also be able to find just about every type of watering hole in this city. From street-side bars with plastic chairs, to Irish and English pubs where you can get a pint, to chic rooftop bars where your drink comes with an incredible view.
Some of the best roof top bars include Moon Bar, a completely open air bar at the top of the Banyan Tree Hotel on the 61st floor; the Rooftop Bar on the 83rd floor of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel and the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua Hotel, probably best known for its role in The Hangover 2. Sky Bar's creative cocktails (get yourself a hangovertini!) will set you back a bit more than your regular cocktail but the views over the Chao Phraya river are priceless. These rooftop bars will have you Instagramming all night long!
WHERE STRAY STAYS
New Siam Palace Ville Hotel
Freestyle Tours (Twin-share and Single) and Bangkok Arrival Packs
56 Trok Rong Mhai
Chanasongkram 10200 Bangkok, Thailand
View in Google Maps
Tel: +66 2 282 4142
This centrally located accommodation is close to Khao San Road, the Stray shop, the Grand Palace and a number of museums, yet far enough away from Khao San road that it is quiet and peaceful.
Facilities: Free WiFi, 24hour reception desk, Swimming pool and on site restaurant, TV, ensuite bathroom and mini fridge in each room.
Khaosan Station Hostel
Freestyle Tours (Shared)
Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
View in Google Maps
Khaosan, located in the heart of Bangkok, is a simple but clean and cozy hostel with helpful and friendly staff. The city's top historic attractions and museums like The National Gallery and The Grand Palace are just walking distance from the hostel. You are also minutes away from the beautiful Chao Phraya River where you can ditch the congested streets for a boat and enjoy a scenic river cruise.
Features: Free WiFi & breakfast.
GETTING FROM BANGKOK AIRPORT TO THE CENTRAL CITY
From Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Khao San Road area.
BY TAXI
Metered: a taxi can cost between 270 Thai Baht (THB) and 500 THB depending on the traffic. For example, it might be 270 THB if you travel at 6am or late night.
Toll ways: There are 2 toll costs to go on the faster expressway, which are 45 THB and 25 THB (total 70 THB)
Please Note: from Suvarnabhumi International Airport by taxi, you will need to pay 50 THB airport service fee to the taxi driver on top of toll fees and meter.
MINI VAN
Minivan from Khao San area to airport (only) is about 200 Thai Baht per person. It can take 1-2 hours.
Note: This is a public minivan which will pick-up passengers from other hotels, so it is best to allow up to 2 hours to get to the Airport (just to be sure).
READ OUR BLOG:
Have just 48 hours in Thailand’s City of Angels? Our Stray team superstar Chris Deane weighs in with his tips for a great two days!